Christmas Appeal 2022
Dear Friend,
‘Peace on earth’ is a phrase so connected to Christmas. But, right now, it’s far removed from the devastation we see across the world. People are desperate for peace. Jesus came to bind up the broken-hearted. As we celebrate his birth this Christmas, there’s so much we can do to help bring peace to people who need it urgently. And, right now, your donation will be doubled…
There are many countries across the world where, through local churches, Tearfund is helping to heal the trauma caused by conflict. Burundi is one of them.
After fleeing to Rwanda to escape the violent conflict in Burundi, Jacqueline has decided it is safe enough to return home. But she is still carrying the vivid memories of the brutality she suffered – as are many others like her.
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Returning has been painful for Jacqueline. Not just because of the reminders of the horror that caused her to flee, but also because of the challenges she is facing now. She came back to find her farm land had been given away. So she has to watch as her children go without food.
‘There are times, like this morning, that my children get very hungry,’ says Jacqueline. ‘But I have nothing to give them apart from some food left over from last night. The biggest problems I face are hunger and raising my children on my own.’
The trauma Jacqueline has experienced is beyond words. She still carries the pain, emotionally and physically, from when she was stabbed during the conflict of 1993. She was just 14.
‘I don’t have a plot of land,’ she says. ‘I have only a hand hoe which helps me to do casual work for my neighbours. Sometimes we sleep one day and eat the next day, so I can get what they need for school. [My daughter’s] school uniforms are the only clothes she has, all the others are torn.’
Joining a church-led self-help group has been a huge support to Jacqueline. These groups provide savings and income opportunities training, supporting families returning from conflict. Since joining the group, Jacqueline has been able to save and buy a goat and a bicycle, which one of her children uses to go to school or to collect water. In these groups, people tackle their problems together, as Jacqueline says, ‘I like the way we sit down and share, it makes me happy.’ Through this support, she is better able to feed and provide for her children.
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This Christmas, your gift will have twice the impact for people around the world like Jacqueline. We can do this because a generous group of Tearfund supporters has offered to match every pound you give to this appeal – up to £600,000 until 31 January 2023!
£61 doubled could enable a peace champion to teach six self-help groups to peacefully resolve local conflicts.
Poverty is not God’s plan. You are. Your gift, doubled, this Christmas will support Tearfund's work with local churches as they help to restore peace to the hearts of people like Jacqueline in greatest need across the world.
Thank you for all your prayers and support for people living in poverty this year. All of us here at Tearfund wish you a warm, happy and peaceful Christmas.
Graeme McMeekin
Head of Tearfund Scotland